Gifts in Action 2006: A Generous Scholarship Changes the Course of a
Student’s Career
Tracie Romsland and her cat,
Francis.
Tracie Romsland always knew she wanted to work with animals. Growing
up in a family with more pets than people, Tracie cared for all kinds of
animals from stray cats to dogs to horses. After receiving her
undergraduate degree in general science from Evergreen State College in
Olympia, Wash., she began working in a veterinary clinic in Redmond,
Wash., first as a receptionist and later as a technician.
“Right out of college, I wasn’t sure I was smart enough to be a vet,”
says Romsland. “But I knew I wanted to work with animals.”
But after working at the clinic for several years, Romsland decided to
pursue her dream and apply for veterinary school. Not only was she
smart enough to be admitted to the highly competitive WSU program, she
was awarded the prestigious Elizabeth W. “Betty” Wilson Endowed Memorial
Scholarship during her junior year, which recognizes high academic
ability, strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrated leadership.
Receiving the scholarship changed the course of Romsland’s career. As a
non-traditional student in her early 30s, she was putting herself
through school. At the time, furthering her education beyond the D.V.M.
didn’t seem financially feasible.
“The scholarship allowed me to think about going on in school to
specialize,” says Romsland. “It was the catalyst for doing an
internship.”
Romsland received her D.V.M. in 2007. She spent the following year
completing her internship at the Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New
York City’s ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals) headquarters where she was also involved with pigeon rescue.
Today, Romsland is back at WSU as a resident specializing in clinical
pathology and working towards her master’s degree. Her goal is to
become a board certified clinical pathologist. She also plans to one
day become certified in acupuncture and to spend time volunteering in
animal shelters.
“I’m grateful for having received this scholarship,” says Romsland.
“Without it, none of my current career goals would have been possible.”
The Elizabeth W. “Betty” Wilson Endowed Memorial Scholarship is
awarded to a promising junior or senior veterinary student interested in
small animal medicine. The scholarship recognizes high academic
ability, strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrated leadership.
